Grit? How do I know if they've got enough?

[AmyRey]

Our girls free range every night currently. I have noticed, lately, however that the amount of rocks in their crops seems to be different. The hen that was giving me such trouble last week, for instance, doesn't have as many rocks in her crop. There's some, mind you, but not as much as it seems like some of the other girls have. She's pooping and eating fine, btw.

Should I be worring about supplying grit to them? Or will they pick up what they need from their environment?

 

[tampitt]

I was wondering the same thing.

 

[dw_618]

our chickens free range during the night as you mentioned...but we also throw a little grit in their food every once in a while

 

[Davaroo]

If they have access to soil and dirt while ranging, then I wouldn't be concerned.
Chickens, while not the brightest bulbs on the tree, instinctively know what they need. They will pick up small pebbles and other grinding items for their crop when they run across them.
If it still bugs you, then you can toss a handful or two of pea stone or crushed brick near the coop.

 

[AmyRey]

Thanks!

 

[Judy]

Grit is kept in the gizzard which grinds the food. You won't really feel it in the crop except as it passes through on its way to the gizzard. You can't feel the gizzard. What you feel in the crop is normally what was eaten that day; in the morning it will be much smaller than in the evening.

 

[purpletree23]

I have crushed oyster shell and chicken grit always available for them free choice in a feeder that does not hold their food. They know how much they need.

 

[dtimms]

Quote:
What kind of feeder? I need one...

 

[lalaland]

any kind of feeder! a tuna fish can nailed to the wall of the coop, a terra cotta plant saucer, a tea cup, whatever.

right now I'm using two small wide mouth jars inside an old bread pan - one jar for grit, one jar for oyster shell. The bread pan keeps them from tipping the jars over.

You can use any kind of container that they can get their beaks to - figure out a way to keep it from being knocked over and you are all set.

You also don't have to have a feeder for the grit, can just toss it in the run.

 

[dtimms]

Quote:
Thanks! And maybe I will just toss the grit.... Hmmmm....